vaccine

Lane County Public Health officials kicked into high gear Tuesday after a case of measles was confirmed in Eugene. They have launched a full investigation to determine the potential reach of the case. It is believed the un-named 40-something man who lives and works in Eugene, contracted the disease while at Disneyland.County Health spokesman Jason Davis says hundreds of people have been notified, interviewed and in some cases, tested.

Salem and West Valley Hospitals are limiting visitors to protect patients from the flu virus. Only people needed to give support to and care for patients should visit. And people who are currently, or just slightly ill should not visit. Since December 28th, Salem Hospital has admitted 9 patients who tested positive for the flu, and health care officials are concerned activity will increase. The Oregon Health Authority encourages all residents to get vaccinated even though flu season is underway.

Deschutes County Health Services has identified six confirmed cases of Pertussis, or Whooping Cough. This is an increase from last year where there were only three.

Tom Kuhn, a Community Health Manager at Deschutes County Health Services says they’re looking into what’s causing the larger outbreak this year.

Kuhn: “We don’t have any sources that we’ve identified or any really concrete links to all these cases. There are some cases that are linked but then there are some that are not. So, we really haven’t pinpointed what the cause of this is.”